Reidees loving on Gemma

While Reidees was not quite sure what to think of Gemma in the beginning, it's been sweet to see his progression of love for his baby sister.  Melts this momma's heart!

Micah Running :)

I was running on the treadmill the other day and Micah wanted to have a chance to run too.  Well, he was clothes-less due to some wet water activity outside, so I told him to grab shoes and socks but neglected to have him get clothes as well.  Oh well, makes for a better photo-op, right?? :)

And these two pictures are from his last soccer class!  He had a great time in his class this summer, and loved getting his medal.

How did my baby get so big??

Super Gemma!

I'm Back!

Gemma's 6 weeks today!  Which means I had my 6 week doctor check-up.  Which means I CAN RUN!!  It's been a long time coming, and I tried 2 weeks ago, unsuccessfully.  Well, the doctor told me at my check-up today that I should be good to go, so when Christian got home from work while Gemma was sleeping I decided to try it out.  And thank goodness, there was no pain!!  I was able to run 3 miles and it felt really good...which also means I have to get my butt in gear in order to get in shape for the half marathon I'm signed up for in 4.5 weeks, eek :/  

Feeling grateful and happy.

Monkey Bar Fun

I took my turn at taking the 3 out by myself to a splash pad - not meeting anyone!  Just to get them out of the house and see if I could do it :)  It was a successful outing and I really enjoyed watching Micah's determination in trying to learn how to cross the monkey bars.  He didn't quite get it, but he made progress and I'm sure if we continue to hit up parks this summer, he'll continue to practice it.  

First Bottle...

...Success!  Big relief, as I wasn't sure how she'd do due to Reid's refusal of the bottle.  So now to figure out the how often, etc details to make sure she doesn't end up refusing to nurse by the convenience a bottle gives her also.  So many tricky things with babies, I tell ya!  But I'm grateful the first bottle attempt was successful. 

Dare Devil Reid

We were at a park the other day, and Reid just cruised up this climbing wall like it was nothing!  I'm not sure these pictures do the wall justice, but it was pretty darn high and I was pretty darn impressed.

Following big brother Micah.

At the top, showing a 7 year old how it's done :)

Julie Visits!

My roommate Julie stayed with us the past couple of days, and it was a much welcomed visit!  With Christian gone in Sydney right now - I crave company, so it was perfect timing :)  She has three adorable girls, ages 7.5, 4.5 and 2.5, and they played great with my two boys.  They all loved and loved on Gemma as well and it was a great two days!  Thankfully Katie (another roommate) lives in the area and was able to come over and hang out by herself Sunday night, and with her kiddos on Monday.  

Back in the spring we had a roomie girl getaway, which included Beth as well and we discovered that all of our kids (except for Gemma) had grade buddies :)  While silly, it was also fun to see who those grade buddies were in a more tangible way this weekend.  Rach and Reid, Josh and Lily, Micah and Addy - all got to meet.  Beth's two weren't there, but Laney and Ellie and Ben and Sam were the other two pairs.  Fun times ahead for us roomies and kiddos!!

Grade buddies Rach and Reid ;)

All the kiddos, except Gemma.  And Reid wouldn't let Julie put him down!

The girls (minus Gemma)

The boys (plus Julie)

We headed out to a park and got caught in a 20 minute downpour and all huddled under the pavilion.  Julie led the way with charades and "We're going on a bear hunt" renditions.

The sun was out a bit later, and after lunch the kids all played in the back yard!

Ellie, Lily, Addy, Micah and Josh working on a coloring page together.  It was quite fun to watch them all getting along to color this page.

Katie headed out after lunch, and Julie's and my kids headed down for naps/rest time.  Once rest time was over we filled up the pool and they all had a blast playing!

And what happens after pool time??  Snack time of course!

Sweet picture of all the kids!  Love it :)

Julie and I

The kids having popsicles post dinner!

Rachael

Micah and Reid

Addison

Lily

And Julie with Gemma :)

It was a great two days filled with chaos and excitement.  Can't wait until we're able to do something like this again!!  And next time, get Beth's 2 kids here too!!